Alert
By Aminu Garko
The Kano State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has issued a public alert following the confirmation of an isolated case of Avian Influenza (AI) in a multi-species backyard poultry farm in Kano State.
According to Dr. Danjuma Mahmoud, the state Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the disease has affected both poultry and other avian species on the farm .
The outbreak was first reported on December 19, 2024, at the Gwale Veterinary Clinic, and initial symptoms were observed on December 18, 2024.
A total of 35 birds died from the disease, and 16 birds were slaughtered as a result of the outbreak.
Key Measures Taken includes
Restriction of Live Birds Movements.
” The Epidemic Preparedness and Response team (EPR) enforced restriction of live birds movements pending the outcome of laboratory results.
” Depopulation of Infected Birds_: The State Ministry of Agriculture’s AI rapid response team carried out the depopulation of infected birds to prevent the spread of the virus.
‘Sealing and Decontamination_: The farm premises, including housing and equipment, were sealed and decontaminated.
” Surveillance and Sensitization_: Ongoing surveillance and sensitization are being conducted on poultry farms and live birds’ markets.
The ministry has advised stakeholders to adopt good biosecurity measures and report any unusual death in their flocks.
Collaboration with other relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Health, will continue to monitor the potential risk of zoonotic transmission to humans.
